Issue 6, February 15, 2023 |
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... and we are off and running! |
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Most notable stories from last week were…
- Opal found on Mars was by far the most read here - and our interview with the NASA scientists really gave us some great insight!
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The Tsavorite encrusted Watch from Jacob & Co. was a fun read for all of you soccer fans! (especially since there were actually two features we included.)
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And then there was a lot of interest in archaeological finds ... We included two features, but the 2,000-year-old gemstones found in a drain beneath a roman bathhouse certainly got your attention. (... or was it the bathhouse?)
For those who have not read these yet, the links are below ....
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GIA Research Identifies a New Treatment of Spinel
The latest GIA press release informs us of a new nickel diffusion treatment to enhance color (and possibly clarity).
We asked Aaron Palke, one of the research scientists to give us a little more information about this discovery, and how we might be able to pick up indications of this treatment.
We also spoke with Alberto Scarani, co-owner of MagiLabs Gemological Instruments who believes it shouldn't be a problem for the GemmoRaman and GemmoSphere (portable advanced gemological instruments) now that we know what to look for.
Will you be able to identify this new treatment in your office? Maybe. Read this.
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Arusha Gem Centre Set for Expansion
There seems to be strong support of the gem industry by government officials, but even with their efforts, there are still nagging concerns over smuggling.
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Ethical Gem Fair
Tucson: We had a chance to visit the fair and not surprisingly, it was genuinely heartwarming to meet with such passionate and empathetic members of the gem trade.
Yes, there is a lot of work yet to be done, but you have to keep pushing forward.
We talked to several exhibitors who gave us a bit more insight into the tasks ahead.
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Not sure why we saw a lot of garnets in Tucson, but we did! Demantoid, Rhodolite, Mandarin, Almandite, & something called Dragon Garnet (What's a Dragon Garnet, you ask? We'll tell you all about it next week.)
Something else? How about Rainbow Lattice Sunstone from Australia? More on that, too.
We will get to the Graff Infinity Tiara, and the Future of Gem Trade Shows. Keep reading!
Photo: Lattice Sunstone, Columbia Gem House
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Read On ... Issue 6, 2023 of the Roskin Gem News Report Newsletter.
Enjoy!
Gary Roskin
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New Spinel Treatment - Just So You Know |
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Scientists at the GIA laboratory in New York City recently discovered spinel, treated by nickel diffusion, in a parcel of gems acquired by the GIA research team in Bangkok.
The press release announcing this discovery was highlighted by a statement from GIA president and CEO Susan Jacques, who said, “The detection of this new treatment underscores the vital importance of GIA’s independent research to protect consumers and ensure that they, and the global gem and jewelry trade, have confidence in their purchases. This discovery is the result of our very important and comprehensive research program, in which GIA invests millions of dollars each year. We have an exceptional team of experts and scientists in gemology, geology, physics, chemistry and other disciplines using very sophisticated instrumentation. This is what enables us to detect new, undisclosed treatments which, if undetected, can deceive both the trade and consumers.”
It also gives us all fair warning to start looking for this treatment.
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from Gemworld International: Padparadscha |
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Padparadscha: The most delicately colored corundum variety
Among these “fancy sapphires,” padparadscha, the delicate pure pink-orange variety, is the most popular and arguably the rarest.
Prominent corundum varieties ruby and blue sapphire have been the best known and celebrated gemstones for even longer than diamonds. Modern gem traders delight in the other colors of sapphires, from yellow to pink.
The idealized description of padparadscha is an untreated sapphire from Sri Lanka displaying equal amounts of pink and orange, in light tones, without any brown modifier. The color has been romanticized as the “tropical sunset” or “a lotus blossom” in many texts, yet neither of these romantic descriptions provides a clear picture. ...
Tucson: We saw a number of fine examples of this pink-orange sapphire. Çiğdem Lüle's review of this rare gem is an excellent summary and should be required reading for all of us - even if you think you know it already.
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Arusha gem centre is set for a Sh19 billion expansion. |
The cash will be spent on the construction of additional structures, including an eight floor building on its campus.
The first installment of Sh7 billion out of the total financial support (Sh19 billion) will be remitted soon.
“The tower will host lecture rooms for the growing number of students, among others,” said the Minister for Minerals, Dotto Biteko (pictured here).
He announced this here on Saturday during the first graduation ceremony of mineral polishers, trained at the centre through long courses.
Dr Biteko said the government was keen to have sufficient number of experts in state-of-art mineral processing technologies.
Well-polished or cut minerals, especially gemstones, adds value in the export as well as local markets.
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from the Ethical Gem Fair |
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Ethical Gem Fair
Tucson: Yes, there is a lot of work yet to be done, but you have to keep pushing forward, and this is why they are here.
We talked to several exhibitors who gave us a bit more insight into the tasks ahead. And the conversation was not just about their business or their show. It was about the gem trade, and what the future possibilities hold.
Stuart Pool, co-founder of Nineteen48, described it this way. “For me, the show is all about the conversations that we have to build relationships with new customers or strengthen those with existing ones. There was a constant flow of people at my table across most of the 4 days and some very promising leads, as well as the necessary sales to make the event viable.
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the FTC is Asking for our Opinion: Do This |
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Time to Revise the Green Guides |
Last December, the FTC announced it would be revising its Green Guides, which examine environmental marketing claims, both direct to consumer and B2B.
The U.S. Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has asked us (the Roskin Gem News Report) to forward their request to you. They want your input before they submit their requests to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For those outside of the United States, the FTC is the governmental body that oversees business practices, and has set guidelines specifically for the jewelry trade. These guides are not often updated, so it is imperative that we take advantage of the opportunity to request changes and additions to the guides now.
“Because these Guides are under review for the first time in over ten years, it is absolutely essential that every sector of the jewelry and watch industries come together and give input on the terminology up for review such as ‘recycled’, ‘organic’, ‘sustainable’, and more,” says Tiffany Stevens, CEO & General Counsel Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
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Our Top three from Last Week |
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Munich, Germany
– February 24–27, 2023
Hong Kong, China HKCEC
– March 1-5, 2023
New York City
– March 5–7, 2023
Maastricht, Netherlands
– March 11-19, 2023
New York City
– March 12-14, 2023
Istanbul, Turkey
– March 16-19, 2023
Sydney, Australia
– March 18-19, 2023
Gdańsk, Poland
– March 22-25, 2023
Miami Beach, Florida, USA
– March 26-28, 2023
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So much to write about and just not enough time in the day! We will be back again next week with a lot more Gem News.
As always, stay informed and keep in touch. I'd like to know where you've been and what gems you've seen.
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We will continue to post features on the website, so feel free to log on to the Roskin Gem News Magazine any time at www.RoskinGemNewsReport.com
If you would like to contribute, or you have read something somewhere that you feel would be perfect to share with the community, then please feel free to contact me directly at Gary@RoskinGemNews.com
I will see you again SOON!
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Gary Roskin
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